Collapsible Habitable Structure

ABSTRACT

A collapsible structure adapted to accommodate and support at least one human with an accommodation unit formed from a number of flexible panels including at least one lower panel and at least one side wall panel; one or more elongate, flexible ground tensioning elements that are connected to one or more of the panels; and two or more elongate, flexible side tensioning elements that are connected to one or more of the panels, wherein the ground tensioning elements may be attached to a ground anchoring point, located substantially below the accommodation unit, and the side tensioning elements may be attached to at least two side anchoring points, located to the side of the accommodation unit, and tension may be applied to the ground and side tensioning elements so that the accommodation unit is pulled into a shape in which a main internal space, of sufficient size to accommodate a human.

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

This invention relates to a collapsible habitable structure.

BACKGROUND

Many different types of habitable structures have been previouslyproposed that can be collapsed to be relatively small and portable, andsubsequently erected to provide a substantially enclosed space in whichone or more humans can live, shelter or sleep. These previous proposalsinclude conventional tents which rest on an area of flat ground and aresecured to the ground (e.g. by a series of rigid spikes or pegs), andalso canvas structures that may be hung from an elevated support point,for instance a branch of a tree.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

It is an object of the present invention to seek to provide an improvedcollapsible habitable structure.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides a collapsiblestructure adapted to accommodate and support at least one human, thestructure comprising: an accommodation unit formed from a number offlexible panels including at least one lower panel and at least one sidewall panel; one or more elongate, flexible ground tensioning elementsthat are connected to one or more of the panels; and two or moreelongate, flexible side tensioning elements that are connected to one ormore of the panels, wherein the ground tensioning elements may beattached to a ground anchoring point, located substantially below theaccommodation unit, and the side tensioning elements may be attached toat least two side anchoring points, located to the side of theaccommodation unit, and tension may be applied to the ground and sidetensioning elements so that the accommodation unit is pulled into ashape in which a main internal space, of sufficient size to accommodateat least one human.

Advantageously, at least one side anchoring point is provided by a firstend of a rigid leg.

Preferably, the rigid leg is fixed at its second end at a pointsubstantially below the accommodation unit.

Conveniently, the tension applied to the side tensioning elementsattached to the rigid leg may be adjusted by an adjustment mechanism.

Advantageously, the accommodation unit is formed from a plurality ofelongate flexible elements, with the tensioning elements being fixed tothe accommodation unit where the flexible elements meet one another.

Preferably, the panels extend between the flexible elements.

Conveniently, the main internal space is substantially enclosed.

Advantageously, three or more side tensioning elements are attached to aside anchoring point, and subsidiary panels extend between the three ormore tensioning elements to form a side chamber.

Preferably, the side chamber is substantially enclosed.

Conveniently, the side chamber may be accessed from the main internalspace.

Advantageously, two or more ground tensioning elements are provided, andthe ground tensioning elements meet and are joined to one another at aground junction, which is attached to the ground anchoring point.

Preferably, two or more side tensioning elements are attached to one ofthe side anchoring points, and the side tensioning elements meet and arejoined to one another at a side junction, which is attached to the sideanchoring point.

Conveniently, the ground or side junction is attached to the ground orside anchoring point by a flexible bracing element.

Advantageously, all or part of at least one of the panels may be atleast partially detached.

Preferably, the lower panel is of sufficient strength to support theweight of at least one average adult human.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a collapsible structureaccording to any preceding claim, installed between a ground anchoringpoint and at least two side anchoring points.

Conveniently, at least three side anchoring points are provided.

Advantageously, each of the side anchoring points is above the level ofthe top of the uppermost panel of the accommodation unit.

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood,embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example, withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a first collapsible structure embodying the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 shows a ground junction suitable for use with the embodiment ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a second collapsible structure embodying the presentinvention; and

FIG. 4 is a close-up view of a detail of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

With reference firstly to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the invention isshown.

An accommodation unit 1 is shown in FIG. 1 in an erected configuration.The accommodation unit 1 is formed from a plurality of flexible panels.Upper and lower panels 2, 3 are each hexagonal and are substantiallyparallel with, and spaced apart from, one another. Extending upwardlyand outwardly from each edge 4 of the lower panel 3 is a pentagonallower side panel 5, and extending downwardly and outwardly from eachedge 6 of the upper panel 2 is a pentagonal upper side panel 7. Thelower side panels 5 and upper side panels 7 meet and are joined to oneanother, as will be explained below.

A first edge 8 of each of the lower side panels 5 is joined to an edge 4of the lower panel 3. The two edges 9 of the lower side panel 5 thatmeet the first edge 8 are joined to corresponding edges 9 of adjacentlower side panels 5. Finally, the two remaining edges 10 of the lowerside panel 5 are joined to corresponding edges of upper side panels 7.

Similarly, a first edge 11 of each of the upper side panels 7 is joinedto an edge 6 of the upper panel 2. The two edges 12 of the upper sidepanel 7 that meet the first edge 11 are joined to corresponding edges 12of adjacent upper side panels. The two remaining edges 13 of the upperside panel 7 are joined to corresponding edges 10 of the lower sidepanels 5.

It will therefore be understood that the upper, lower, upper side andlower side panels 2, 3, 7, 5 are joined together to form a substantiallyenclosed main internal space, which is sufficiently large to accommodateone or more humans.

Each of the panels 2, 3, 7, 5 forming the accommodation unit isflexible, and in the erected configuration is held in a generally planarstate.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, a plurality of elongate, flexible groundtensioning elements 14 are attached to each of the corners 15 of thelower panel 3, and extend downwardly towards a ground junction 16, wherethe ground tensioning elements 14 meet and are joined to one another.The ground junction 16 is preferably positioned substantially directlybelow the centre of the lower panel 3.

FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of the ground junction 16. The groundtensioning elements 14 each terminate in a sturdy connection ring 17,formed from a material such as steel. A main ring 18, which is largerthan the connection rings 17, passes through each of the connectionrings 17, thus joining the ground tensioning elements 14 to one another.A ground bracing element 19 is also attached to the main ring 18. Theground bracing element 19 is sturdy and elongate, and connects the mainring 18 to a ground anchoring point 20. In preferred embodiments, theground bracing element 19 comprises a strong strap, such as a cargostrap, although in other embodiments the ground bracing element 19 maybe rigid.

Any other suitable design of junction, that allows the ground tensioningelements 14 to meet and be joined to one another, may also be used.

The ground anchoring point 20 (shown schematically in FIG. 1) is a pointthat is substantially fixed with relation to the ground, and to whichthe ground bracing element 19 may be connected. If the accommodationunit is to be installed on relatively soft ground, then a spiral stakemay be driven rotationally into the ground to provide a fixed point.Alternatively, the ground anchoring point 20 may take the form of anysuitable element that is fixed to the ground or floor (such as a cargoring), or may comprise one or more suitably heavy objects that rest onthe ground.

Three series of elongate, flexible side tensioning elements 216 a, 21 b,21 c are also provided. Two elements of the first series 21 a extendfrom first and second adjacent corners 22 of the upper panel 2, and meetand are joined to one another at a first side junction 23 a.

The first side junction 23 a is preferably substantially directlyopposite one edge 6 of the upper panel 2, and is slightly above theplane of the upper panel 2.

A further two elements of the first series 21 a extend from first andsecond adjacent corners 24 of the lower panel 3, and meet and are joinedto one another at the first side junction 23 a. A further five elementsof the first series 21 a extend from points 25 where edges 9, 10, 12, 13of the upper side panels 7 and lower side panels 5 meet one another, andmeet and are joined at the first side junction 23 a. These further fiveelements of the first series 21 a extend from those points 25 wherethere is an unobstructed line of sight to the first side junction 23 a.

It will therefore be understood that there are nine side tensioningelements in the first series 21 a. At the first side junction 23 a theseelements are joined to one another in any suitable way, for instance byconnection rings and a main ring, as shown in FIG. 2 in relation to theground junction 16. A first side bracing element 26 a is also joined tothe first side junction 23 a, and connects the first side junction 23 ato a first side anchoring point 27 a, which is again shown schematicallyin FIG. 1.

The first side anchoring point 27 a may comprise any point that is heldfirmly in space, for instance a part of a tree or building.

Second and third series of side tensioning elements 21 b, 21 c are alsoprovided, connected to respective second and third side junctions 23 b,23 c, which are in turn connected by second and third side bracingelements 26 b, 26 c to second and third side anchoring points 27 b, 27c. In preferred embodiments the three side anchoring points 27 a, 27 b,27 c are spaced at regular intervals (i.e. 120° apart, as seen fromdirectly above) around the accommodation unit 1, although this is notessential.

It will be understood that the provision of four anchoring points 20, 27a, 27 b, 27 c and the associated tensioning elements 14, 21 a, 21 b, 21c holds the accommodation unit 1 firmly in its erected configuration.Each of the points where the edges of the panels 2, 3, 5, 7 meet arepulled outwardly from the centre of the accommodation unit 1, ensuringthat the panels 2, 3, 5, 7 are placed under tension and remain taut andsubstantially planar. The provision of the side anchoring points 27 a,27 b, 27 c at locations which are above the level of the top panel 2ensures that tension can be applied both upwardly and downwardly to theaccommodation unit 1. The accommodation unit 1 therefore retains asubstantially enclosed shape and can be used as a living space, playspace, or for any other purpose.

An entrance to the accommodation unit 1 may be provided by a flap in oneof the lower side panels 5, which may be selectively opened and closed,for instance in the manner of a standard tent flap.

It is envisaged that arrangements of this type will be useful forsituations where a standard tent could not simply be rested on theground, for instance in disaster relief situations such as followingfloods, or where the ground is uneven or rocky, as the accommodationunit is suspended above ground level. This will also provide additionalprotection from earth tremors, and pests and predators such as insectsand snakes.

It is also expected that arrangements of this type will be popular aschildren's play spaces, where they can function in a similar manner totree houses, although of course they can easily be installed in urbanenvironments where trees may not be readily accessible.

The design of the accommodation also provides extra stability andsecurity in high winds. Unlike a conventional tent, the underside of theaccommodation unit has a larger surface area than the top surface. Thismeans that a negative airfoil force is produced, sucking the structureto the ground rather than lifting it off.

Turning to FIG. 3, a further embodiment of the invention is shown. Thisfurther embodiment differs in two important ways from the embodimentshown in FIG. 1.

Firstly, the first, second and third side anchoring points 27 a, 27 b,27 c are provided by rigid legs 28. These rigid legs 28 are mounted in abase 29 that has three sockets 30, into which lower ends of the legs 28are inserted. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the base 29 alsofunctions as the ground anchoring point 20, and has an elongate anchorportion 31 which is adapted to be sunk firmly into the ground.

In preferred embodiments, the sockets 30 are offset with respect to oneanother, so that their longitudinal axes do not meet at a common point.This provides additional resistance to bending forces that arise duringuse.

FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of the connection between the first sidetensioning elements 21 a and the corresponding leg 28. As describedabove, the first side tensioning elements 21 a are joined together atthe first side junction 23 a to a first side bracing element 26 a. Apulley 32 is provided in a recess 33 in the leg, and the first sidebracing element 26 a passes over the pulley 32, and out of the rear sideof the leg 28. The first side bracing element 26 a passes down the rearside of the leg 28 and is joined to a fixing point 34 which is joinedfirmly to the rear side of the leg 28. The fixing point 34 may take anysuitable form, and preferably allows the first side bracing element 26 ato be tightened or loosened, thus allowing the tension applied to thefirst side tensioning elements 21 a to be adjusted. For instance, thefixing point may include a ratchet mechanism with a handle that may bewound or “pumped” to increase the tension applied to the first sidetensioning elements 21 a, and released to reduce the tension. The fixingpoint 34 may, for example, be tied or strapped in place, or may bescrewed or nailed in position. The leg 28 may include a registeringarrangement, comprising one or more projections and/or indentations, toassist a user in locating the fixing point 34 correctly, and to helphold the fixing point 34 in place during use.

It will be understood that the use of rigid legs as shown in FIG. 3allows the accommodation unit to be installed without requiring threeexternal objects that can act as side fixing points, thus greatlyincreasing the range of locations in which the accommodation unit can beused.

In embodiments, one or two of the side anchor points can be provided byexternal objects such as trees or buildings, with the remaining one ortwo side fixing points being provided by legs as shown in FIG. 3.

The second important difference shown in FIG. 3 will now be explained.

One pentagonal upper side panel 7 is substantially directly opposite thefirst side anchor point 27 a. Five first side tensioning elements 21 aextend from the corners of this panel 7 to the first side anchor point27 a. Five first subsidiary panels 35 a are provided between adjacentones of these five elements 21 a, thus enclosing a first side chamber.The upper side panel 7 may be omitted, or may be replaced by a panelwith a closable entrance, for instance in the manner of a standard tententrance, to allow the first side chamber to be isolated from the maininternal space.

Two further side chambers are formed in similar fashion, by second andthird sets of subsidiary panels 35 b, 35 c.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 therefore comprises a main internal spaceand three side chambers, which could, for example, be used as a mainliving space and three separate sleeping chambers.

In alternative embodiments, the main internal space could have atrampoline-style or mesh floor, thus forming a safe, enclosed main playarea. Each of the side chambers could include equipment to allow adifferent play activity, such as a “fireman's pole” extending to theground.

The construction of the accommodation unit preferably comprises strong,flexible elements, such as steel ropes or webbing straps, which form theedges 4, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13 of the panels 2, 3, 5, 7, with the panels 2,3, 5, 7 themselves being formed from a strong, light material, such asfire retardant, UV, PU and water resistant polyester fabric, thatextends between the flexible elements.

In preferred embodiments some or all of certain panels may be removable.For instance, all or a part of the top panel 2 may be detachable fromthe flexible elements that surround it, so that the accommodation unit 1may have an open top in clement weather. The part of the top panel 2that is detached may be removed completely for storage, or the part mayremain attached at one edge so that it can be rolled back. Some or allof the other panels 3, 5, 7 may be made in a similar fashion.

In embodiments some of the panels 2, 3, 5, 7 may be formed from atransparent or translucent material. Upward-facing panels may be formedin this way so that occupants can benefit from sunlight, anddownward-facing panels may be formed in this way so that occupants canobserve events outside the accommodation unit 1.

The accommodation unit 1 is intended to be easy to transport, with mostof the components being flexible. In preferred embodiments the supportlegs 28, if these are provided, are formed in a plurality of shortersections which may, for example, be screwed together to form the leg 28,thus increasing the ease with which the legs 28 can be transported. Thelegs 28 may be formed from any suitable material, such as wood or carbonfibre.

In embodiments the lower panel 3 may be formed from a rigid material, sothat the floor of the accommodation unit 1 may support heavier loads.This is expected to be of use if the accommodation unit is to be usedfor storage.

The design of the accommodation unit 1 described above involveshexagonal upper and lower panels, and pentagonal upper and lower sidepanels. It should, however, be understood that these panels need nottake these forms, and any suitable combination of panel shapes may beused. One or more of the panels may be curved or otherwise deflectedthrough one or more angles, and the panels need not be planar. Thenumber of panels, ground and side anchoring points and tensioningelements may be varied.

It is also envisaged that larger structures may be formed, having aseries of ground anchoring points to apply downward tension to differentparts of the structures, and a large array of side tensioning points.For instance, a number of accommodation units of the type shown in FIG.1 or 3 may be provided near one another, and connected by enclosedcorridors or walkways. If the accommodation units are provided withselectably removable panels, corridors or walkways can be installed asneeded to connect the accommodation units with one another, thusallowing a structure of any required size to be built up. This isexpected to be of particular use in disaster relief applications.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention provideaccommodation units that are simple to transport and assemble, and willfind utility in many areas, in particular in play, leisure, disasterrelief and military/peacekeeping fields.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms “comprises” and“comprising” and variations thereof mean that the specified features,steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted toexclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the followingclaims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific formsor in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or amethod or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate,may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised forrealising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

1. A collapsible structure adapted to accommodate and support at leastone human, the structure comprising: an accommodation unit formed from anumber of flexible panels including at least one lower panel and atleast one side wall panel; one or more elongate, flexible groundtensioning elements that are connected to one or more of the panels; andtwo or more elongate, flexible side tensioning elements that areconnected to one or more of the panels, wherein the ground tensioningelements may be attached to a ground anchoring point, locatedsubstantially below the accommodation unit, and the side tensioningelements may be attached to at least two side anchoring points, locatedto the side of the accommodation unit, and tension may be applied to theground and side tensioning elements so that the accommodation unit ispulled into a shape in which a main internal space, of sufficient sizeto accommodate at least one human.
 2. A collapsible structure accordingto claim 1, wherein at least one side anchoring point is provided by afirst end of a rigid leg.
 3. A collapsible structure according to claim2, wherein the rigid leg is fixed at its second end at a pointsubstantially below the accommodation unit.
 4. A collapsible unitaccording to claim 3, wherein the tension applied to the side tensioningelements attached to the rigid leg may be adjusted by an adjustmentmechanism.
 5. A collapsible unit according to claim 4, wherein theaccommodation unit is formed from a plurality of elongate flexibleelements, with the tensioning elements being fixed to the accommodationunit where the flexible elements meet one another.
 6. A collapsiblestructure according to claim 5, wherein the panels extend between theflexible elements.
 7. A collapsible structure according to claim 6,wherein the main internal space is substantially enclosed.
 8. Acollapsible structure according to claim 7, wherein three or more sidetensioning elements are attached to a side anchoring point, andsubsidiary panels extend between the three or more tensioning elementsto form a side chamber.
 9. A collapsible structure according to claim 8,wherein the side chamber is substantially enclosed.
 10. A collapsiblestructure according to claim 9, wherein the side chamber may be accessedfrom the main internal space.
 11. A collapsible structure according toclaim 10, wherein two or more ground tensioning elements are provided,and the ground tensioning elements meet and are joined to one another ata ground junction, which is attached to the ground anchoring point. 12.A collapsible structure according to claim 11, wherein two or more sidetensioning elements are attached to one of the side anchoring points,and the side tensioning elements meet and are joined to one another at aside junction, which is attached to the side anchoring point.
 13. Acollapsible structure according to claim 12, wherein the ground or sidejunction is attached to the ground or side anchoring point by a flexiblebracing element.
 14. A collapsible structure according to claim 13,wherein all or part of at least one of the panels may be at leastpartially detached.
 15. A collapsible structure according to claim 14,wherein the lower panel is of sufficient strength to support the weightof at least one average adult human.
 16. A collapsible structureaccording to claim 15, installed between a ground anchoring point and atleast two side anchoring points.
 17. A collapsible structure accordingto claim 16, wherein at least three side anchoring points are provided.18. A collapsible structure according to claim 17, wherein each of theside anchoring points is above the level of the top of the uppermostpanel of the accommodation unit.